Ayodele Ajoge, Birnin-Kebbi.
The Emir of Zuru in Kebbi State, His Royal Highness Alhaji Sanusi Muhammad Sami, Sami Gomo III, has described the reconstruction of the Koko–Zuru Road as a life-changing project that has reconnected the Zuru Emirate to the rest of Kebbi State and the country, saying Governor Nasir Idris deserves commendation for the execution of the federal road project.
The Emir made the remarks at the weekend when the Kebbi State Governor’s media team, led by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed Birnin Kebbi, paid him a courtesy visit at his palace in Zuru.
He said the road had remained a major challenge for decades, isolating the emirate from the rest of the state and making movement extremely difficult for commuters.
According to the royal father, before the intervention of Governor Idris, motorists spent between four and five hours travelling from Koko to Zuru because of the deplorable condition of the road.
He noted that with the reconstruction now nearing completion, the journey has been reduced to about one hour, describing the project as a historic achievement that has restored hope and improved economic and social activities in the area.
The Emir said: “This road is our link to the world. For a very, very long time, we were cut off from the rest of the world. Kauran Gwandu’s coming changed everything.”
He praised Governor Idris for pursuing the approval and execution of the federal road project with determination, stressing that what some people initially dismissed as political rhetoric had become a reality.
Speaking on healthcare, the Emir commended the ongoing renovation and upgrading of hospitals across the Zuru Emirate, including the rehabilitation of health facilities and the provision of modern equipment.
He noted that contractors were already on site and expressed confidence that the projects would significantly improve access to quality healthcare services for the people.
The traditional ruler also applauded Governor Idris for his agricultural revolution, particularly the free distribution of fertiliser to farmers and the direct allocation of power tillers to district and village heads across the emirate.
He described the initiative as unprecedented, saying it had strengthened grassroots farming activities and enhanced direct engagement between the government and traditional institutions.
On youth development, the Emir lauded the establishment of the Skills Acquisition Centre in Zuru and similar centres across the state, describing them as strategic investments aimed at equipping young people with vocational skills, promoting self-reliance and reducing unemployment
The Emir equally acknowledged Governor Idris’ efforts in addressing security challenges in the emirate through the construction of a Mobile Police Squadron Barracks, Forward Operating Bases and other security interventions.
While appreciating the governor’s unwavering support for security agencies, he observed that insecurity was a global challenge, adding that prayers remained the ultimate panacea for peace.
He reaffirmed the support of the Zuru Emirate for the administration and expressed confidence that the governor would deliver even greater dividends of democracy to the people.
Members of the Kebbi State media team included the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed Birnin Kebbi; the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alhaji Yahaya Sarki; the Special Adviser on Communications Strategy, Alhaji Abdullahi Idris Zuru; the Special Adviser on Public Enlightenment and Orientation, Alhaji Ibrahim A. Jombali; the Special Adviser on New Media, Alhaji Aliyu Bandado; and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Idris.
